SENATOR HIRONO APPLAUDS U.S.-CHINA AGREEMENT TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Mazie K. Hirono today applauded the joint announcement by President Barack Obama and People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping on the issue of climate change with an agreement to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by each nation.

"This announcement demonstrates bold leadership from the United States and China, the world’s two largest economies and emitters of carbon emissions, and makes clear that we do not need to choose between the economy and the environment. Climate change is real and we must address it,” said Senator Hirono. “The opportunity for Hawaii is that we are a leader in clean energy solutions and we can share that expertise with others.”

Together, the United States and the People's Republic of China account for more than one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The commitment announced by President Obama will reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2025. President Xi Jinping’s announcement marks the first time China has ever committed to capping their greenhouse gas emissions.

Today’s announcement is also important for the negotiations leading up to a new international climate treaty in 2015.

Additional information on the agreement can be found here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/11/12/us-and-china-just-announced-important-new-actions-reduce-carbon-pollution